Sandberg said he had planned to give Howard some time off for a mental break while also giving him the chance to work on his mechanics. Sandberg reiterated the decision also allows Ruf to get playing time and at-bats.

“I had a good conversation with Ryan today,” Sandberg said. “Of course he was upset not being in the lineup yesterday, and I would expect that. But then I had a conversation yesterday and had a good conversation today about the reasoning behind it and what was hoping to come out of it for him and for the team and for a teammate.”

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. backed Sandberg’s decision to bench Howard. As for the speculation the Phillies will release Howard, and still owe him at least $60 million over the next three seasons, Amaro said “All I can tell you is that’s not in our best interest. It’s not something that we’ve discussed.”

Amaro also made clear that he expects Howard to be the Phillies’ first baseman next season.

“We talked about it, obviously Ryno and I talk every day and will continue to do so,” Amaro said of Howard’s playing time.. “As I said, I don’t make the decisions about the lineup, (Sandberg) makes the decisions about the lineup. As far as the long term plans, yeah we discuss those sort of things.”

With the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline looming, Amaro maintains that his goal is to improve the Phillies. That would require the Phillies to get solid prospects in return for some of their veteran players.

Still, much focus remains on Howard and his future with the organization. But amid a sub-par season, he won’t be the only one under scrutiny.

“Listen, everybody’s being evaluated,” Amaro said. “That’s part of baseball. We’re all scrutinized and evaluated. I fully expect (Howard) to be our first baseman next year. Hopefully he’s a very productive one.”